District of Columbia

Pregnant women and mothers in Washington, DC have access to a wide range of food assistance and nutrition education programs designed to support maternal health, healthy pregnancies, and child development. Below are key resources available:

Food Assistance Programs
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: The DC WIC Program provides supplemental nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum mothers, infants, and young children under age five. WIC also connects families to health care and social services.

Services include monthly food benefits for healthy foods, nutrition counseling and education, breastfeeding support and lactation services, and referrals to health care and community resources.
Eligibility includes pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year postpartum), non-breastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months), infants, and children up to age five. Applicants must meet income guidelines and reside in Washington, DC; U.S. citizenship is not required. Learn more

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): DC SNAP provides monthly food benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food. Pregnant women often qualify and may be exempt from certain work requirements.

Eligibility

Based on household income, size, and resources. Pregnancy is considered when determining eligibility, and many pregnant individuals qualify even without current employment.

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person through the DC Department of Human Services (DHS).

Food Banks and Pantries
Washington, DC has a strong network of food banks and community pantries that provide emergency food assistance to pregnant women, mothers, and families with young children. They include:

Capital Area Food Bank: The largest hunger-relief organization in the DC region, providing groceries, fresh produce, and SNAP outreach through community partners. Learn more
Bread for the City: Offers free groceries, prepared meals, nutrition assistance, and support services to DC residents. Learn more
Martha’s Table: Provides healthy food distributions, maternal support programs, and family services across DC neighborhoods. Learn more

Nutrition Education Programs

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP): DC EFNEP, delivered through local university and extension partnerships, provides nutrition education to low-income families with young children. Services include: hands-on classes in healthy cooking, food safety education, meal planning and grocery budgeting skills.
How to Access: Classes are offered through community centers, schools, and partner organizations across DC. Learn more

Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP): Washington, DC participates in the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, which provides WIC participants with vouchers to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs at approved farmers’ markets. Learn more

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in the DC WIC Program.

Benefits

Increased access to fresh, locally grown produce
Support for local farmers and healthy eating habits